Comments on What Does the DOMA Decision Mean for Same-Sex Couples?TypePad2013-08-22T19:48:41ZSAGEUSAhttp://blog.sageusa.org/blog/tag:typepad.com,2003:http://blog.sageusa.org/blog/2013/08/what-does-the-doma-decision-mean-for-same-sex-couples/comments/atom.xml/Bob Lind, EA commented on 'What Does the DOMA Decision Mean for Same-Sex Couples?'tag:typepad.com,2003:6a017c34619ea6970b01901f0ac58e970b2013-08-27T20:13:56Z2013-08-28T14:36:41ZBob Lind, EAIt is important to make the distinction that the author is writing from a perspective that assumes the same-sex married...<p>It is important to make the distinction that the author is writing from a perspective that assumes the same-sex married couples (SSMCs) LIVE IN NEW YORK. It is NOT as yet clear what the fate of SSMCs will be if legally married in one state, but living in one of the states that specifically prohibits gay marriage (which the DOMA decision reinforced such states have the right to do!) We are still waiting for guidance from the IRS how they will interpret the DOMA decision, which made it clear that it recognizes only same sex marriages that are &quot;legal under state law.&quot; The decision did not clarify if it is the state of the marriage (a given) or the state where the couple resides. <br />
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Also, the article did not touch on the reality that a married couple, made up of two earners, generally pays MORE in income tax than two singles combined. There are slso some tax benefits that may be lost. Once you are considered married, you can no longer file as single individuals. And filing married-separate will almost always result in a higher tax than a joint return. Discuss your situation with a local professional knowledgeable in such matters. </p>